Earth Equity News

Fukuda Bows to U.S. Demands, Carbon Targets Off the G8 Summit Agenda. AFP, June 17, 2008. "The [G8] nations, torn by disputes on global warming, will not set any mid-term targets on cutting greenhouse gas emissions at its upcoming summit, host [Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda conceded] today. The U.S., butting heads with the Europeans, has opposed setting any definite commitments at the July 7-9 summit... 'Agreeing on a medium-term target is the core challenge for the U.N. negotiations that will take place up to the end of 2009,' Fukuda [said in an interview]. 'The G8 is not a forum to agree on that target'... 'We will strive to engage in constructive discussions so that we will be able to come up with a concrete outcome with regards to long-term targets,' Fukuda said. The U.S.... has said any solution on climate change must involve all countries, including developing states."